居(い)ても立(た)っても居(い)られない

いてもたってもいられない
expression
unable to sit still; restless with anticipation or anxiety
emotionidiom
1. unable to sit still; restless; too anxious or excited to stay put
Describes an intense emotional state where one cannot remain calm — whether from excitement, worry, anticipation, or impatience. Literally 'cannot stay whether sitting or standing.'
居(い)ても立(た)っても居(い)られなくなった。
I couldn't sit still any longer.
結果(けっか)が気(き)になって、居(い)ても立(た)っても居(い)られない。
I'm so anxious about the results that I can't sit still.
友人(ゆうじん)の危険(きけん)を知(し)り、居(い)ても立(た)っても居(い)られず、すぐに駆(か)けつけた。
When I heard my friend was in danger, I couldn't sit still and rushed over immediately.

Literally 'cannot remain whether sitting (居(い)ても) or standing (立(た)っても)' — expressing that no position is comfortable because of overwhelming emotion. A vivid idiom for intense restlessness.

Common patterns

Often followed by a verb of action showing what the person did as a result of their restlessness:

  • 居(い)ても立(た)っても居(い)られず、〜した — unable to sit still, I did ~
  • 居(い)ても立(た)っても居(い)られなくなって — becoming unable to sit still

USAGE (common triggers):

  • Waiting for important results (exams, job applications)
  • Hearing bad news about someone close
  • Excitement before a major event
  • Impatience when something is taking too long

Similar words

Related Words

Compare: 気(き)が気(き)でない (unable to focus due to worry)
general
Added 2026.3.27 0:26 · Revised 2026.10.6 3:40
19500/19757_itemotattemoirarenai